The Spine - Ultra / Adventure racing

Rich1

27/11/2011 at 08:10

Anyone entered this momster? Or considerIng it, tempted by it or just read about it?

http://thespinerace.com

It looks completely mental - and that makes it just a little bit tempting?!

Tigerlily

27/11/2011 at 08:59

My all time running hero Joss Naylor completed the Pennine Way in about 3 days 4.5 hrs but that was in summer. The guy who holds the record now apparently only stopped twice during the run for about 20mins each time! Also in summer. To do it in winter would be very very tough - requiring plenty of experience and knowledge. I think you'd need to live, eat and breathe fell running for at least 18 months to before attempting this! But for the right person with the right mindset and the correct experience and knowledge it's do-able. Too brutal for me though - one long day in the mountains in winter running is enough for me these days! I used to do the KIMM but these days at the end of a long day out all I want is a bath and a clean bed and clothes!

Ben Davies 15

27/11/2011 at 18:51

This event has come to my attention.

Being a realistic man, I might look to do it in 2013.

Anybody else want to throw their hat into the ring?

Rich1

28/11/2011 at 08:25

So one vote for utter madness and one for tempted - which pretty much sums up my feelings

Bartholomew Roberts

28/11/2011 at 10:49

I'm tempted, but Jan is a too soon, 2013 I am all over it!

Rich1

28/11/2011 at 11:23

Yes, Jan is very soon.....but not too long to think about it!!

BobL

28/11/2011 at 17:55

Too soon for 2012 but thinking seriously about 2013. Seems only six signed up so far. Very expensive coming up to Christmas!!

AndrewSmith pirate

pirate

28/11/2011 at 21:21

The only madness I see is the entry fee!!!

Too Much Water

29/11/2011 at 07:28

spineless?

Rich1

29/11/2011 at 08:23

By my reckoning, it's 35-40 miles per day for 7 days in winter conditions , 8-9 hours light max

AndrewSmith pirate

pirate

01/12/2011 at 14:22

And?

ian bowles 2

01/12/2011 at 23:10

Been pondering this one for some time.
They have introduced a 100 mile option which I could just justify. 100 miles in 70 hrs is not quite so epic but still bloody hard in jan. I have never tried sleeping after 50 miles and doing another 50 the next day so using the 100 miler as a training run for the 2013 race sort of makes sense.
I suspect that one reason for the lack of takers is the lack of detailed info on the website. They also have it in trail runner mag but say you have to have done 3 ultras this year (in fact this is only for the Elite Class)
The prize for winning the 100 miler is free entry for the full 268miles next year. If no one else entered the 100 I could even win this!!!
Still dithering but I have just ordered the Maps.
Any one else care to join me on the 100 as it could get very lonly out there? Gulp.

ian bowles 2

11/12/2011 at 19:02

I am in for the 100 miler. Anyone else care to join me?
If you hate hot weather ultras as I do then this could be for you. Deadline for entering is the 16 Dec but I suspect they may extend this.
My race plan is to run/walk this as if I was doing the full 268 miles. Shall use a bivibag as emergency kit as it looks like we can sleep at the checkpoints. Don,t know what to expect except exposed trails and bog but if all goes well then should be better prepared for the full 268 in 2013 .

Rich1

12/12/2011 at 10:02

Hi Ian - I'm still pondering!! Will do Challenger Class if anything.

My major sticking point is the cost of the kit I'll need - whilst I will use nearly all of it again so it isn't a waste it will be a big one off hit!!

Looking at:

Hilleberg Akto tent or Terra Nova Jupiter/Saturn

PHD Minim 600 bag or a Rab Alpine 600

And will need a new rucksack I think - reckon I can squeeze it all into a 30-35L?

Anyone got any other suggestions. The Alpkit sleeping bags are much cheaper......and sold out!! I need light as I'm only little!!

Ian - what are you doing for footwear as this is my major debate?

Edited: 12/12/2011 at 10:04

ian bowles 2

12/12/2011 at 19:52

Hi Rich. You can carry a bivi bag instead of a tent- Much cheeper (£50 for good foil type)+ Less weight. Looks like we can sleep at checkpoints indoors.
I have all my Mountain marathon kit but wont use my Terra Nover Laser Tent.
Sleeping bag Marmot Hydrogen boosted with a Thermolite Reactor Extreme Liner. ( this gives an extra 14c capability . The combination gives me a 1,4 and 3 season bag at a cheeper price)
Bag OMM Classic 32l . Mat :Thermarest Neoair although I might take a baloon bed if pack vol looks too much. Shoes: Salomon XT Wings and Brooks Cascadia at 50 miles.
Challenger class for me , then perhaps full Spine in 2013.
Still not made my mind about footwear if the forecast is for Ice. Possibly XC Spikes.

Rich1

12/12/2011 at 20:29

Thanks Ian - helpful

When I put "Challenger", I meant "Open"!! Dementia sets in.......

Like the idea re sleeping bags - still £300 though by my reckoning.

May just see you there

ian bowles 2

12/12/2011 at 20:55

They have just announced free Kahtoola Microspikes for first 25 open/elite runners so thats the traction sorted.
Thats one hell of a test trial for Kahtoola!

Edited: 12/12/2011 at 20:59

ian bowles 2

13/12/2011 at 21:29

Hi Rich I take it that,s you in ? I guess thats the bank balance blown then!

Rich1

14/12/2011 at 13:18

Yip that's me - whoops!

ian bowles 2

14/12/2011 at 22:42

Hi Rich
So now we are in the decisions start. Not really enough info in the race rules re exactly how the checkpoints work, food cooking and sleeping. Trying to erect a tent with frozen hands every 70 miles would not be fun. (most of the ultra light tents are not much good in severe weather) Then the cooking issues, can we use our stoves inside and what,s the ruling on cafe/pub pit stops.
I don,t really understand why they insist on a -10c bag but you don,t have to carry a sleeping mat. As for footwear then fellshoes would be good for the boggy bits and snow. For your distance you will need a super comfy cushioned shoe. wet feet for 6 days could lead to a DNF
MIght be worth carrying a spare pair of shoes.
My pack list seems to grow but it,s looking like a min of 8Kg once I take into account of all the cold weather gear!

Edited: 14/12/2011 at 22:44